Crucifixions - Different Forms and Types of Crosses By Mary Fairchild Crucifixion was an ancient method of execution in which the victim's hands and feet were bound and nailed to a cross . There was a strong social stigma associated with crucifixion, a punishment reserved for traitors, captive armies, slaves and the worst of criminals. Detailed descriptions of crucifixions are few, perhaps because secular historians could not bear to describe the gruesome events of this horrible practice. However, archaeological finds from first century Palestine have shed a great deal of light on this early form of death penalty. Four basic structures or types of crosses were used for crucifixions: Pvasiliadis/Wikimedia Commons • Crux Simplex Crux Simplex was a single upright stake or post upon which the victim was tied or impaled. It was the simplest, most primitive cross used for capital punishment of criminals. The victim's hands and feet were bound and nailed to the stake using just one nail through both wrists and one nail through both ankles, with a wooden plank fastened to the stake as a footrest. Most often, at some point the victim's legs would be broken, hurrying death by asphyxiation. Crux Commissa.

Image: © Mary Fairchild • Crux Commissa Crux Commissa was a capital T-shaped structure, also known as St. Anthony's cross or the Tau Cross, named after the Greek letter ("Tau") that it resembles. The horizontal beam of the Crux Commissa or "connected cross" was connected at the top of the vertical stake. This cross was very similar in shape and function to the Crux Immissa. Crux Decussata. Image: © Mary Fairchild • Crux Decussata Crux Decussata was an X-shaped cross, also called St. Andrew's cross. The Crux Decussata was named after the Roman "decussis," or Roman numeral ten. It is believed that the Apostle Andrew was crucified on an X-shaped cross at his own request. As tradition tells, he felt unworthy to die on the same type of cross on which his Lord, Jesus Christ , had died. St. Andrew's Cross St. Andrew's Cross A remarkable lesson in stoicism St. Andrew's Cross also called a Saltire It is believed that the apostle Andrew was crucified on a saltire (X-shaped) cross; hence the name St. Andrew's Cross.

He is said to have told his executioners that he was not worthy to be crucified on the same cross style as Jesus, and persuaded them to alter the shape. If this is true, it's a remarkable example of stoicism displayed by a man, no doubt beaten and starved, yet retaining the mental energy to plead such a thing with his brutal executioners. Detailed records of his crucifixion only date back to the Middle Ages, and these records are influenced be the imagination of the medieval artists. But even if the origin is a myth, the cross shape reminds Christians that they should exercise humility. In Greek, the first letter for Christ (Chi) also happens to be 'X'-shaped, as in the Chi Rho Cross . Instead of simply saying that something is 'X-shaped' or 'saltire', the term 'St. Andrew's Cross' is used for several items that have absolutely nothing to do with St. Andrew or even religion. For example, there's argiope kiyserlingi and the argiope mangal - a tiny, brightly striped spider found in the mangroves of Singapore. These are commonly known as 'St.

Andrew's Spiders' because they hold their eight legs in pairs, forming an X shape. Then there's the hypericum hypericoides, a small shrub of the St. John's-wort family. Its flowers form a cross with four yellow petals and is known as 'St. Andrew's Cross'. Confederate Flag The saltire is seen on the USA's Confederate Flag, showing the Scottish lineage of many southerners. (It was not the official flag of the Confederate states, but is nevertheless widely referred to as the Confederate Flag.) On this flag the saltire is known as the Southern Cross . The saltire is also seen on several national flags , particularly where there is a historical/cultural connection with St. Andrew. The St Andrew's Cross can be seen in civil logos, emblems and regional coats of arms. Tenerife In the Spanish Canary Islands, just off the Western Sahara coast, the 19th century masters of the island of Tenerife belonged to the Masonic Grand Lodge of Scotland. It's possible that they influenced the choice of the island's flag, albeit a slightly darker shade of blue. The blue represents the colour of the Atlantic Ocean and the white represents the winter snow-capped Mount Teide.

For the Scottish flag, the colours are said to come from a white cross made by clouds in the blue sky. In the 9th century, King Angus saw this arrangement on the day before a decisive battle over the English Northumbrian Angles commanded by Athelstan. King Angus considered it to be a good omen and won the battle. (See also Constantine's Cross .) Merkill was the place where King Angus' army of Picts and Scots were fighting the King Athel's army of Sassenachs from Northumbria. One night, Angus prayed to God for help in the next day's battle. A vision of Saint Andrew appeared to him, promising victory. The next day, King Angus' men saw two long white clouds streaking across the blue sky forming a cross. They took this as a sign from Saint Andrew and were sufficiently roused to beat the lowlanders in the battle. Of course, the sign could have been meant for King Athel's men, but perhaps they were too busy fighting to be looking up at the sky. Or were these long clouds the exhaust of jet engines from some early alien visitation? Or 'earthquake clouds'?

Whatever interpretation we wish to make, the Scots believed it was nothing less than a miracle . This battle took place just a stone's throw from a village later known as Markle in East Lothian, Scotland. Markle village has now gone, but a few ruins remain (for example Markle Castle). The original name of the place was Merkill, and this might have come from the word miracle. The white cross on blue background was adopted as the flag of Scotland and St. Andrew became Scotland's Patron Saint. Burgundy Cross It is of no surprise therefore that the St. Andrew's Cross is the basis for many Scottish logos. In particular, the Church of Scotland emblem, which also depicts the miraculous burning bush that was not consumed ( Exod. 3 ). The burning bush symbol is repeated in the emblems of the Presbyterian Churches around the world and represents the bondage of the Church in Egypt. Their emblems remind us that the Church and the faithful, in every age and every culture, may suffer severe persecution. And yet God prevents His people from being destroyed. A similar design is seen on the flag of Tallahassee, the capital of Florida, USA; and a variation of the St. Andrew's Cross is the Burgundy Cross .

All these crosses represent the Christian religion of the kings and rulers at the time the flags and banners were made. Other national flags have an 'X' cross, but these have no Christian basis. Burundi The flag of Burundi for example, where even though the country is nominally 'Christian', the white cross is not used as a religious symbol. It is a symbol of peace - the goal of everyone after years of ethnic violence between Hutu and Tutsi factions. Breda Hendrik-Ido-Ambacht There are a few more similar Dutch flags on the Flag Index page, all of which incorporate one or more saltires. Holland is famous for its windmills which can be easily recognised by their huge crosses. Dr Van Helsing (Peter Cushing) took advantage of a windmill's cross to dispatch the creepy vampire in the 1960 Hammer movie The Brides of Dracula. (A 3½-minute video of the scene is here . And see the Dracula Cross , if you're interested in that sort of thing.) The use of windmills declined during the Industrial Revolution and very few remain today.

Some have been converted into museums, tourist information centres, craft shops and even homes, but we don't know of any that have been converted into churches or chapels. A few mock windmills have been built as wedding chapels, taking advantage of the romantic image of the windmill, and of course the huge blades that form a cross. Vatican flag Crossed Keys Finally, there's a variation of St. Andrew's cross on the flag of the Vatican (see also Papal Cross ). Since the 14th century, two crossed keys have been the official insignia of the Holy See. These keys are the symbols of St. Peter (popes are considered direct descendants of St. Peter's office). The keys were given to Peter (see Matt. 16 :19) by Christ to open the doors to paradise, just as the cross opens the gates of heaven for those who believe in Him. (See other crosses on flags ) But what does the St. Andrew Cross mean for us today? See the meaning of the Cross and also read Humility and Sacrifice by Rev. David Linde. Before Peter was crucified, he too requested that a cross different to Christ's St. Peter's Cross .

Therefore we have another cross that Christians associate with humility; the upside-down Latin Cross, known as St. Peter's Cross . An alternative name for Christmas is 'Xmas', a valid abbreviation although rejected by some as being a commercial attempt to remove Christ from Christmas, by crossing Him out. To secularize the event even further, some might say "Happy Holidays", forgetting that the word "holiday" originates from "holy day". (Curiously, Xmas is often written with an apostrophe in Japan as X'mas. See Christmas in Japan .) The composition of the Union Flag is taught to British Boy Scouts as something that might be useful to know one day. They are also taught how this cross is used in mathematics to multiply numbers The burning bush symbol was also used by the early Huguenots Please tell is you know of one!

The Story of the Crucifixion of Andrew the Apostle (adapted from Foxe’s Book of Martyrs) | Taking Up Space The Story of the Crucifixion of Andrew the Apostle (adapted from Foxe’s Book of Martyrs) [17] Comments In my Sunday School class, we recently engaged in a discussion of Jesus’ challenge to would-be followers to “take up your cross.” This story is an interesting sidebar to that discussion, a recording of which can be found HERE . According to tradition, Andrew—who was Peter’s brother and the first follower of Jesus—preached the gospel in the region North of the Black Sea and in various parts of Greece. His life ended in the Greek city of Patras. He was crucified by Aegeas, the governor of the region at the time. Andrew was a diligent preacher of the gospel and had brought many people to faith in Christ. When Aegeas the governor heard about this, he came to Patras to put an end to the Christian movement there. To do this, he enforced a legal requirement that everyone worship the Roman gods by making sacrifices to them. Andrew immediately decided to resist Aegeas and went to address him directly.

“It would be wise for someone who judges men,” he said, “to know the One who is his Judge—the One who lives in heaven. And once you have known Him, you will worship Him, since He is the One true God. In so doing, this judge of men will turn his mind away from false gods and blind idols.” These words from Andrew angered Aegeas. “Are you the same Andrew that overthrew the temple of the gods?” he demanded. “Are you the same Andrew that goes around persuading men to believe in superstitions which Rome has abolished? I have been commanded to put an end to such teaching.” Andrew replied by saying that it was indeed a fact that the Roman authorities did not understand the truth. “The Son of God came from heaven into the world for man’s sake,” he said, “He taught us that these idols you honor as gods are not only not gods, but are actually cruel demons. They are enemies to mankind, and they teach people nothing except things which offend God.

As a result, these people fall into all kinds of wickedness, and when they die, they have nothing to offer to God but evil deeds.” As you might imagine, the governor was not appeased by what Andrew had to say. Instead, he commanded Andrew to quit teaching and preaching these things immediately. If he refused, he would be fastened to the cross at once. But Andrew did refuse to change his mind and replied to the threat of crucifixion by saying, “I would not preach the honor and glory of the cross if I feared the death of the cross.” So the sentence of death was pronounced, and Andrew was taken away to be crucified for denying the religion of the Roman gods. Because crucifixion was an especially cruel and painful death, men who faced it often lost their minds from fear. They would frequently faint when they saw the cross. Andrew, however, didn’t even pale. Instead, out of his deep love for Christ, he spoke these words that strike the heart like sparks of fire. “O cross!” he declared, “O cross most welcome and long anticipated! I come to you with a willing mind, with joy and desire.

Since I am a follower and a student of the One who died on you, I have always loved you and sought to embrace you.” And so Andrew gave his life for the love of Christ. Paintings of the martrydom of Andrew (like this one by Bartolome Esteban Murillo) always depict an X-shaped cross. Tradition says that the Romans rotated the traditional cross onto its side as an insult. This is also the origin of the Scottish flag, depicted above, known as “St. Andrew’s Cross.” Share this: Who were the 12 disciples? | Bibleinfo.com Home » Bible Questions » Who were the 12 disciples? Who were the 12 disciples? The names of the twelve disciples of Jesus are Peter, James (the son of Zebedee), John, Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James (the son of Alphaeus), Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot.

(Matthew 10:1-4 and Luke 6:12-16) [1] Thomas The Apostles of Jesus The 12 disciples/apostles of Jesus were the foundation stones of His church, several even wrote portions of the Bible. In Revelation 21:14 we are told that the twelve foundations of the wall of the New Jerusalem will have in them the names of the twelve disciples/apostles. It is evident, therefore, that God attaches great importance to these 12 men. >> Browse: What are the seven deadly sins? // Who Wrote the Bible? As we study these courageous first-century lives, and what discipleship meant in the time of Jesus, we may expect to be aided in developing a Spirit-directed twenty-first century discipleship as Christ must have meant it to be. The following biographical information about the 12 original disciples of Jesus uses the New Testament accounts along with the most respected legends and traditions. We do not mean to infer, that legend and tradition constitute historical fact.

We do feel, however, that they do have value in the study of the lives of these men who "…turned the world upside down…" Other Facts: Andrew Andrew was the brother of Peter, and a son of Jonas. He lived in Bethsaida and Capernaum and was a fisherman before Jesus called him. Originally he was a disciple of John the Baptist (Mark 1:16-18). Andrew brought his brother, Peter, to Jesus (John 1:40). He is the first to have the title of Home and Foreign Missionary. He is claimed by three countries as their Patron Saint-Russia, Scotland and Greece. Many scholars say that he preached in Scythia, Greece and Asia Minor. Andrew introduced others to Jesus. Although circumstances placed him in a position where it would have been easy for him to become jealous and resentful, he was optimistic and well content in second place. His main purpose in life was to bring others to the master. According to tradition, it was in Achaia, Greece, in the town of Patra that Andrew died a martyr. When Governor Aepeas' wife was healed and converted to the Christian faith, and shortly after that the Governor's brother became a Christian.

Aepeas was enraged. He arrested Andrew and condemned him to die on the cross. Andrew, feeling unworthy to be crucified on the same-shaped cross as his Master, begged that his be different. So, he was crucified on an X-shaped cross, which is still called Saint Andrew's cross and which is one of his apostolic symbols. A symbol of two crossed fish has also been applied to Andrew, because he was formerly a fisherman. Bartholomew or Nathanael Bartholomew Nathanael, son of Talmai, lived in Cana of Galilee. His apostolic symbol is three parallel knives. Tradition says he was a missionary in Armenia. A number of scholars believe that he was the only one of the 12 disciples who came from royal blood, or noble birth. His name means Son of Tolmai or Talmai(2 Samuel 3:3). Talmai was king of Geshur whose daughter, Maacah, was the wife of David, mother of Absolom.

Bartholomew's name appears with every list of the disciples (Matthew 10:3; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:14; Acts 1:13). This was not a first name, however; it was his second name. His first name probably was Nathanael, whom Jesus called "An Israelite indeed, in whom there is no guile" (John 1:47). The New Testament gives us very little information about him. Tradition indicates he was a great searcher of the Scripture and a scholar in the law and the prophets. He developed into a man of complete surrender to the Carpenter of Nazareth, and one of the Church's most adventurous missionaries. He is said to have preached with Philip in Phrygia and Hierapolis; also in Armenia. The Armenian Church claims him as its founder and martyr. However, tradition says that he preached in India, and his death seems to have taken place there. He died as a martyr for his Lord. He was flayed alive with knives.

James the Elder James, the Elder, Boanerges, son of Zebedee and Salome, brother of John the Apostle; a fisherman who lived in Bethsaida, Capernaum and Jerusalem. He preached in Jerusalem and Judea and was beheaded by Herod, AD 44 (Acts 12:1,2). He was a member of the Inner Circle, so called because they were accorded special privileges. The New Testament tells us very little about James. His name never appears apart from that of his brother, John. They were an inseparable pair (Mark 1:19-20; Matthew 4:21; Luke 5:1-11). He was a man of courage and forgiveness, a man without jealousy, living in the shadow of John, a man of extraordinary faith. He was the first of the twelve to become a martyr. His symbol is three shells, the sign of his pilgrimage by the sea. James the Lesser or the Younger James, the Lesser or Younger, son of Alpheus, or Cleophas and Mary, lived in Galilee. He was the brother of the Apostle Jude.

According to tradition he wrote the Epistle of James, preached in Palestine and Egypt and was crucified in Egypt. James was one of the little-known disciples. Some scholars believe he was the brother of Matthew, the tax collector. James was a man of strong character and one of the most fiery type. Still another tradition says that he died as a martyr and his body was sawed in pieces. The saw became his apostolic symbol. John John Boanerges, son of Zebedee and Salome, brother of James, the Apostle. He was known as the Beloved Disciple. A fisherman who lived in Bethsaida, Capernaum and Jerusalem, he was a member of the Inner Circle. He wrote the Gospel of John, I John, II John, III John and Revelation. He preached among the churches of Asia Minor. Banished to the isle of Patmos, he was later freed and died a natural death. John was one of the prominent Apostles. He is mentioned in many places in the New Testament. He was a man of action; he was very ambitious; and a man with an explosive temper and an intolerant heart. His second name was Boanerges, which means son of Thunder.

He and his brother, James, came from a more well-to-do family than the rest of the 12 Apostles. Since his father had hired servants in his fishing business (Mark 1:20) he may have felt himself above the rest. He was close to Peter. They were acting together in the ministry. Peter, however, was always the spokesman for the band. John mellowed with time. At the latter part of his life, he had forgotten everything, including his ambition and explosive temper, except his Lord's command of love. It is said that an attempt was made on his life by giving him a chalice of poison from which God spared him. He died of natural causes. A chalice with a snake in it is his symbol. Judas Judas Iscariot, the traitor, was the son of Simon who lived in Kerioth of Judah. He betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver and afterwards hanged himself (Matthew 26:14,16).

Judas, the man who became the traitor, is the supreme enigma of the New Testament because it is so hard to see how anyone who was so close to Jesus, who saw so many miracles and heard so much of the Master's teaching could ever betray him into the hands of his enemies. His name appears in three lists of the 12 Apostles (Matthew 10:4; Mark 3:19; Luke 6:19). It is said that Judas came from Judah near Jericho. He was a Judean and the rest of the disciples were Galileans. He was the treasurer of the band and among the outspoken leaders. It is said that Judas was a violent Jewish Nationalist who had followed Jesus in hope that through Him his nationalistic flame and dreams might be realized. No one can deny that Judas was a covetous man and at times he used his position as treasurer of the band to pilfer from the common purse. There is no certain reason as to why Judas betrayed his master; but it is not his betrayal that put Jesus on the cross-it was our sins.

His apostolic symbol is a hangman's noose, or a money purse with pieces of silver falling from it. Jude or Thaddeus Jude, Thaddeus, or Lebbeus, son of Alpheus or Cleophas and Mary. He was a brother of James the Younger. He was one of the very little-known Apostles and lived in Galilee. Tradition says he preached in Assyria and Persia and died a martyr in Persia. Jerome called Jude "Trinomious" which means "a man with three names." In Mark 3:18 he is called Thaddeus. In Matthew 10:3 he is called Lebbeus. His surname was Thaddeus. In Luke 6:16 and Acts 1:13 he is called Judas the brother of James. Judas Thaddeus also was called Judas the Zealot. By character he was an intense and violent Nationalist with the dream of world power and domination by the Chosen People.

In the New Testament records (John 14:22 NIV) he asked Jesus at the Last Supper, "But Lord, why do you intend to show yourself to us and not to the world?" Judas Thaddeus was interested in making Christ known to the world. Not as a suffering Saviour, however, but as ruling King. We can see plainly from the answer Jesus gave him, that the way of power can never be substituted for the way of love. It is said that Jude went to preach the gospel in Edessa near the Euphrates River. There he healed many and many believed in the name of the Master. Jude went from there to preach the Gospel in other places. He was killed with arrows at Ararat. The chosen symbol for him is the ship because he was a missionary thought to be a fisherman. Matthew or Levi Matthew, or Levi, son of Alpheus, lived in Capernaum. He was a publican or tax collector. He wrote the Gospel that bears his name. He died a martyr in Ethiopia.

The call of Matthew to the apostolic band is mentioned in Mark 2:14, Matthew 9:9 and Luke 5:27-28. From these passages, we learn that Matthew also was called Levi. It was a common custom in the Middle East at the time of Christ for men to have two names. Matthew's names mean "a gift of God." The name Levi could have been given to him by Jesus. It is likely that James the lesser, who was one of the twelve Apostles, was Matthew's brother, also the son of Alpheus. Although we know little about Matthew personally, the outstanding fact about him is that he was a tax collector. The King James Version calls him a publican, which in Latin is Publicanus, meaning engaged in public service, a man who handled public money, or a tax gatherer. Of all the nations in the world, the Jews were the most vigorous haters of tax gatherers. To the devout Jew, God was the only one to whom it was right to pay tribute in taxes. To pay it to anyone else was to infringe on the rights of God. The tax collectors were hated not on religious grounds only but because most of them were notoriously unjust.

In the minds of many honest, Jewish men, these tax collectors were regarded as criminals. In New Testament times they were classified with harlots, Gentiles and sinners (Matthew 18:17; Matthew 21:31, 33; Matthew 9;10; Mark 2:15,16; Luke 5:30). Tax collectors had been known to assess duty payable at impossible sums and then offer to lend the money to travelers at a high rate of interest. Such was Matthew. Yet, Jesus chose a man all men hated and made him one of His men. It took Jesus Christ to see the potential in the tax collector of Capernaum. Matthew was unlike the other Apostles, who were mostly fishermen. He could use a pen, and by his pen he became the first man to present to the world, in the Hebrew language, an account of the teaching of Jesus. It is clearly impossible to estimate the debt that Christianity owes to this despised tax gatherer. The average man would have thought it impossible to reform Matthew, but to God all things are possible. Matthew became the first man to write down the teachings of Jesus.

He was a missionary of the Gospel, who laid down his life for the faith of his Master. The apostolic symbol of Matthew is three money bags which reminds us that he was a tax collector before Jesus called him. Peter Simon Peter, son of Jonas, was a fisherman who lived in Bethsaida and Capernaum. He did evangelistic and missionary work among the Jews, going as far as Babylon. He was a member of the Inner Circle and authored the two New Testament epistles which bear his name. Tradition says he was crucified, head downward, in Rome. In every apostolic list, the name Peter is mentioned first. However, Peter had other names. At the time of Christ, the common language was Greek and the family language was Hebrew. So his Greek name was Simon (Mark 1:16; John 1:40, 41). His Hebrew name was Cephas (1 Corinthians 1:12; 3:22; 9:5 and Galatians 2:9). The Greek meaning of Simon is rock. The Arabic meaning of Cephas is also rock. By trade, Peter was a fisherman.

He was a married man (1 Corinthians 9:5) and his home was Capernaum. Jesus probably made His headquarters there when He visited Capernaum. Peter was also a Galilean as was typical of many of the other disciples. Josephus described the Galileans this way, "They were ever fond of innovation and by nature disposed to change and delighted in sedition. They were ever ready to follow the leader and to begin an insurrection. They were quick in temper and given to quarreling and they were very chivalrous men." The Talmud says this of the Galileans, "They were more anxious for honor than for gain, quick-tempered, impulsive, emotional, easily aroused by an appeal to adventure, loyal to the end." Peter was a typical Galilean. Among the twelve, Peter was the leader. He stands out as a spokesman for all the twleve Apostles. It is he who asked the meaning of the difficult saying in Matthew 15:15. It is he who asked how often he must forgive. It is he who inquired about the reward for all of those who follow Jesus.

It is he who first confessed Jesus and declared Him as the Son of the Living God. It is he who was at the Mount of Transfiguration. It is he who saw Jairus' daughter raised to life. Yet, it is he who denied Christ before a maiden. He was an Apostle and a missionary who laid down his life for his Lord. It is true, Peter had many faults, but he had always the saving grace of the loving heart. No matter how many times he had fallen and failed, he always recovered his courage and integrity. Peter was martyred on a cross. Peter requested that he might be crucified head downward for he was not worthy to die as his Lord had died. His apostolic symbol is a cross upside down with crossed keys. Philip Tradition says that disciple Philip preached in Phrygia and died a martyr at Hierapolis. Philip came from Bethsaida, the town from which Peter and Andrew came (John 1:44). The likelihood is that he, too, was a fisherman.

Although the first three Gospels record his name (Matthew 10:3; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:14; Acts 1:13), it is in the Gospel of John that Philip becomes a living personality. Scholars disagree on Philip. In Acts 6:5, we have Philip as one of the seven ordained deacons. Some say this is a different Philip. Some believe this is the Apostle. If this is the same Philip, then his personality came more to life because he had a successful campaign in Samaria. He led the Ethiopian eunuch to Christ (Acts 8:26). He also stayed with Paul in Ceasarea (Acts 21:8) and was one of the major figures in the missionary enterprise of the early church. The Gospel of John shows Philip as one of the first to whom Jesus addressed the words, "Follow Me." When Philip met Christ, he immediately found Nathanael and told him that "we have found him, of whom Moses … and the prophets, did write." Nathanael was skeptical. But Philip did not argue with him; he simply answered, "Come and see." This story tells us two important things about Philip.

First, it shows his right approach to the skeptic and his simple faith in Christ. Second, it shows that he had a missionary instinct. Philip was a man with a warm heart and a pessimistic head. He was one who would very much like to do something for others, but who did not see how it could be done. Yet, this simple Galilean gave all he had. In return God used him. It is said that he died by hanging. While he was dying, he requested that his body be wrapped not in linen but in papyrus for he was not worthy that even his dead body should be treated as the body of Jesus had been treated. The symbol of Philip is a basket, because of his part in feeding of the five thousand. It is he that stressed the cross as a sign of Christianity and victory. Simon the Zealot Simon, the Zealot, one of the little-known followers called the Canaanite or Zelotes, lived in Galilee. Tradition says he was crucified. In two places in the King James Version he is called a Canaanite (Matthew 10:4; Mark 3:18).

However in the other two places he is called Simon Zelotes (Luke 6:15; Acts 1:13). The New Testament gives us practically nothing on him personally except that it says he was a Zealot. The Zealots were fanatical Jewish Nationalists who had heroic disregard for the suffering involved and the struggle for what they regarded as the purity of their faith. The Zealots were crazed with hatred for the Romans. It was this hate for Rome that destroyed the city of Jerusalem. Josephus says the Zealots were reckless persons, zealous in good practices and extravagant and reckless in the worst kind of actions. From this background, we see that Simon was a fanatical Nationalist, a man devoted to the Law, a man with bitter hatred for anyone who dared to compromise with Rome. Yet, Simon clearly emerged as a man of faith. He abandoned all his hatred for the faith that he showed toward his Master and the love that he was willing to share with the rest of the disciples and especially Matthew, the Roman tax collector. Simon, the Zealot, the man who once would have killed in loyalty to Israel, became the man who saw that God will have no forced service.

Tradition says he died as a martyr. His apostolic symbol is a fish lying on a Bible, which indicates he was a former fisherman who became a fisher of men through preaching. Thomas Didymus Thomas Didymus lived in Galilee. Tradition says he labored in Parthia, Persia, and India, suffering martyrdom near Madras, at Mt. St. Thomas, India. Thomas was his Hebrew name and Didymus was his Greek name. At times he was called Judas. Matthew, Mark and Luke tell us nothing about Thomas except his name. However, John defines him more clearly in his Gospel. Thomas appeared in the raising of Lazarus (John 11:2-16), in the Upper Room (John 14:1-6) where he wanted to know how to know the way where Jesus was going. In John 20:25, we see him saying unless he sees the nailprints in Jesus' hand and the gash of the spear in His side he will not believe. That's why Thomas became known as Doubting Thomas. By nature, Thomas was a pessimist. He was a bewildered man. Yet, he was a man of courage.

He was a man who could not believe until he had seen. He was a man of devotion and of faith. When Jesus rose, he came back and invited Thomas to put his finger in the nail prints in his hands and in his side. Here, we see Thomas making the greatest confession of faith, "My Lord and my God." Thomas' doubts were transformed into faith. By this very fact Thomas' faith became great, intense and convincing. It is said that he was commissioned to build a palace for the king of India, and he was killed with a spear as a martyr for his Lord. His symbol is a group of spears, stones and arrows. Who replaced Judas Iscariot? Matthias was selected to replace Judas as recorded in Acts 1:15-26. The other man who was also in consideration was named Joseph or Barsabas, and surnamed Justus. Lots were cast and eventually Matthias was chosen.

Acts 1:24-26 records the following, "And they prayed and said, “You, O Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which of these two You have chosen to take part in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.” And he was numbered with the eleven apostles.” The Bible is sparse on additional details relating to Matthias, but it does say that Matthias was with Jesus since His baptism until his resurrection. Besides the book of Acts, Matthias isn’t mentioned anywhere else in the Bible. According to historical sources Matthias lived til 80 A.D. and spread the gospel on the shores of the Caspian and Cappadocia. How did the 12 disciples die?

Andrew = Crucified on an X-shaped cross Bartholomew or Nathanael = Flayed alive with knives James the elder = First apostle martyred James the lesser = Sawn in pieces John = Died of natural causes on the isle of Patmos Judas Iscariot = Hung himself Jude or Thaddeus = Killed with arrows Matthew or Levi = Martyred in Ethiopia Peter = Crucified upside-down on a cross Philip = Died by hanging 11 Chapter 10 1 And he arose from thence, and cometh into the coasts of Judaea by the farther side of Jordan: and the people resort unto him again; and, as he was wont, he taught them again. 2 And the Pharisees came to him, and asked him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife? tempting him. 3 And he answered and said unto them, What did Moses command you? 4 And they said, Moses suffered to write a bill of divorcement, and to put her away. 5 And Jesus answered and said unto them, For the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept.

Andrew, the Apostle - Bible Study - BibleWise Andrew, the Apostle "Andrew" is a Greek name that means "manly, brave, manhood, or valour." Andrew was a Christian Apostle and the brother of Simon Peter. He was the first to be called to be Jesus' disciple and in the Orthodox tradition, he is referred to as the "First-called." His name was quite common in the early first century among Jews, Christians, and other Hellenized people from that region. There is no equivalent name in Hebrew or Aramaic. As a brother of Peter, he is also assumed to be the son of John or Jonah. Like Peter, he was probably born in Bethsaida, located along the north side of the Sea of Galilee. He was a fisherman by trade. Indeed, when Jesus called Peter and him, he said they would "become fishers of men." Scholars think they lived together in Capernaum. According to John's Gospel, Andrew was also a disciple of John the Baptist. Andrew was the first to recognize Jesus as the Messiah. Andrew introduced Jesus to Peter. While not one of the three inner disciples, he was thought to be among those closest to Jesus.

On each apostolic list, he is among the top four. In addition to being the first to follow Jesus, Andrew was singled out as a disciple on three other occasions. When some Greeks wanted to speak with Jesus, they approached Philip, who took them to Andrew. Together, they went to Jesus (See John 12:20-22). In the story of the Five Thousand, Andrew was the one who said there was a lad with five barley loaves and two fish in the audience (John 6:8ff). Andrew was one of the four who asked Jesus about the destruction of the temple (See Mark 13:3ff.). He was crucified in the city of Patras, possibly in 69 CE. Instead of being nailed, he was tied to the cross because the proconsul wanted him to suffer more. Some legends claim his cross was in the form of an X, at his request. He did not feel worthy enough to be crucified on the cross of the same shape as the Lord.

(Scholars doubt, however, that choosing the configuration of the cross would have been an option.) Nonetheless, an X-shaped cross is typically referred to as a "Saint Andrew's Cross." Artwork from the Middle Ages depicts him as being on an X-shaped cross. The basilica of Saint Andrew was supposedly erected on the site where he was crucified in Patras. Patras is in Achaea on the northern coast of the Peloponnese. Additional relics are kept at the Vatican, and in Scotland and Poland. Supposedly, the Roman Emperor ordered that certain relics should be taken to Constantinople in the mid 300s. The head of Saint Andrew was given to the Vatican in 1461. It now resides in one of the four central piers in St. Peter's Basilica. In 1964, the reigning Pope (Paul VI) sent all the relics back to Patras. Available to the viewing public now are a small finger, part of his cranium, and a portion of the cross, all of which are preserved in a special shrine in Patras. During his ministry, Andrew preached in towns along the Black Sea.

He is known as the patron saint of the Ukraine, Romania, and Russia. Tradition claims that he was the first to preach in Georgia, and that he was the one who founded the Georgian church. (Many others dispute this idea, and state that St. Nino was the founder.) The Georgian church harmonized these two traditions around 1103 CE. In the 10th century, Andrew became the patron saint of Scotland. Legend has it that during a battle in 832 CE, King Óengus prayed to him, and vowed that he would make him the patron saint if they won. The morning of the battle, X-shaped white clouds appeared in the sky. Inspired, Óengus and his army (despite being vastly outnumbered) attacked and prevailed. The king kept his promise and made Andrew the patron saint of Scotland. To this day, the Scottish flag is designed around a white X – a diagonal cross oftentimes called a saltire, i.e., Saint Andrew's Cross. Many churches in Scotland are named after Andrew. His feast is celebrated on November 30th, which is supposedly the day of his death.

Bible Characters The 12 Apostles: Skinned, Stoned, Sawed, Burned and Beheaded | scanned thoughts scanned thoughts The 12 Apostles: Skinned, Stoned, Sawed, Burned and Beheaded (LjI) AS we remember the Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ this Holy Week, have you ever wondered what happened to the 12 Apostles after Jesus died on the cross? We all know that the Romans and the powerful Jewish leaders in Jerusalem were all looking for them for being guilty “by association”. This source tells us that the Apostles (except, of course, Judas Iscariot) “… locate a ship and sailed away” to another city, leaving Jerusalem for fear of being arrested. They only came back to Jerusalem– after all the excitement and controversy quieted down– during Pentecost (originally a Jewish festival celebrating grain harvest and commemorating Moses receiving the Ten Commandments). But, according to Acts 2:1:4, while the Apostles gathered for the feast: “…Suddenly there was a noise from heaven like the sound of a mighty wind. It filled the house where they were meeting.

Then they saw what looked like fiery tongues moving in all directions, and a tongue came and settled on each person there. The Holy Spirit took control of everyone, and they began speaking whatever languages the Spirit let them speak.” That’s how they received the Holy Spirit—and soon after, they courageously left their hiding place and started preaching and performing miracles, in the name of Jesus Christ, right in the streets of Jerusalem and in different languages! Try to imagine the simplest, most quiet and easily intimidated man you know (most of the Apostles were fishermen, remember) suddenly speaking out like the smartest university professor you admire or a veteran politician on a reelection campaign trail—and you’ll get the idea on how miraculous this was. During that time according to this source, “many religious Jews from every country in the world were living in Jerusalem … they were hearing everything in their own languages.” The noise and activity attracted a huge crowd and the Apostle Peter preached a sermon to the crowd with great effectiveness that “On that day about three thousand believed his message and were baptised…” (Acts 2:41) establishing a solid and unstoppable Christian group in Jerusalem.

And as Jesus asked of them in Mark 16:14: “Go yea into all the world and preach the good news to every creature.” SO THEY DID. But where did they go? What did they do? And what happened to them? Let us use Da Vinci’s “Last Supper” (photo above) as our starting point: Bartholomew (skinned alive and beheaded)—Preached the Gospel in Mesopotamia (Iraq), Persia (Iran), Turkey, Armenia and India. He was skinned alive and beheaded at Derbent (Azerbaijan, near Russia) on the Caspian Sea by order of a local king after a majority of the people of Derbent converted to Christianity. Some of Bartholomew’s skin and bones are still kept in The Basilica of St. Bartholomew in Rome, a part of his skull is in Frankfurt, Germany and an arm is venerated at the Canterbury Cathedral in England. James, the Lesser (stoned and clubbed-to-death)—Believed to have preached in Damascus (Syria) and acknowledged as the first bishop of the Christians in Jerusalem (Israel).

Historians say he was sentenced to be stoned-to-death by the Jews for challenging Jewish Laws and for convincing some of members of the Jewish community to convert to Christianity. James died when during the stoning, one person from the crowd approached him and bashed his head with a fullers club (a piece of wood used for bashing-washing clothes). He was buried on the spot where he died, somewhere in Jerusalem. Andrew (crucified upside down on an X-shaped cross)—Preached in Georgia (Russia), Istanbul (Turkey), Macedonia and finally Greece. There in Patros, Greece, the Governor Aegiatis was angered by the apostle’s preaching and the conversion of his own family to Christianity. He ordered Andrew to renounce his faith in front of a tribunal. When Andrew resisted, the governor ordered that Andrew be crucified. He was tied upside down to an X-shaped cross with thick, tight ropes but Andrew kept preaching to spectators. He was able to convince many to accept Christianity just before he died after suffering for three days. Parts of his remains are in Constantinople (Turkey), Scotland (United Kingdom), but his skull is kept in Patras to this day.

Judas Iscariot (suicide, death by hanging)—Best known as the apostle who betrayed the Lord by divulging His location, leading to His arrest and persecution. He received 30 pieces of silver from Jewish priests for the information he gave. Prior to this, Judas served as the treasurer of the 12 Apostles; in charge of keeping the group’s budget/money. Sources could not agree on how he died. There are three accepted versions: (1) he committed suicide by hanging himself to a tree, (2) he accidentally fell on a field– head first (3) he was crushed by a passing chariot (4) he was stoned-to-death by the other 11 Apostles. But all four agree that “his bowels gushed out” (Ewwww!) on all four accounts. Authors and scholars also agree that his guilt was a major part of the cause of his death. Peter (crucified upside down)—Recognized as the head of the original Christian community in Jerusalem (Israel), he left the city when King Herod Agrippa I started to persecute all Christians in Jerusalem and ordered the beheading of the Apostle James (the Great) .

After escaping from Jerusalem, Peter preached in Judea (originally Palestine) and in Antioch (Syria) where he is historically considered as the first patriarch (bishop) of the Orthodox Church. After staying in Antioch for some time, Peter went to Rome and converted thousands into Christianity. The emperor at the time, Nero, did not like the idea of Romans becoming Christians and used the new members of the group for his amusement (e.g. feeding them to lions or wild dogs, and then burning them at stake in Rome’s coliseum—yes, the tourist spot– if they do not renounce their faith). Peter was one of the most prominent victims of this persecution. He was captured and crucified upside-down at his own request, because he said he was not worthy to be crucified the same way as our Lord. St. Peter’s body lies below the altar of St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican City, in Rome. John (thrown into boiling oil, but survived)—For most of his labours, John was with Peter in Jerusalem up until the persecution of Herod Agrippa I. During this period, scholars agree that Johh escaped and preached for sometime in Asia Minor (an area around Turkey).

Years later, scholars have traced that he went to Rome where it was believed he was persecuted with other Christians and was thrown into a cauldron of boiling oil—he miraculously survived. The Roman emperor at the time, Dominitian, decided after the incident to banish John to the island of Patmos (in Greece). When Dominitian died, John went back to Ephesus (in Turkey) where he spent the rest of his days. He died a very old man, the only Apostle to do so. Thomas (impaled by a spear)—Called by most Christians as the “Doubting Thomas” for disbelieving the Lord’s Resurrection. But after his doubts were erased by touching Jesus’ wounds, he became a fearless preacher of the Gospel and builder of churches. He was the only Apostle who witnessed the Assumption of Mary and the one of the first Apostles who preached outside the boundaries of the vast Roman Empire (out of Europe). He preached in Babylon (present day Iraq) and established its first Christian church. Then he went to Persia (Iran) and travelled as far as China and India. He was martyred in Mylapore, India when a local king named Masdai condemned Thomas to death.

The Apostle angered the Brahmins (high ranked priests/scholars who served as the king’s advisers) who thought Christianity disrespected India’s Caste System . Thomas was brought to a nearby mountain and was stabbed-to-death with a spear. He is believed to be buried around the suburb of Madras, in India. James, the Great (beheaded)—Brother of the Apostle John. He decided to preached the Gospel in Iberia (around Spain) and be the first to build a Christian foundation in the area. But according to some scholars, the Virgin Mary appeared to James and told him to return to Judea (around Israel) to help the other Apostles. He was captured and condemned to die by Herod the Agrippa 1 to please Jewish leaders who were furious at the rapid growth of the Church. James’ chief accuser was later convinced that the Apostle was indeed blessed by the Lord, he himself requested to be beheaded with James. After this, James’ body was brought back to Spain by his disciples and was buried in the area where the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela is located, which is now considered as a major religious site.

Phillip (crucified)—Preached in Greece, Syria and in Turkey (in the cities of Galatia, Phrygia and Hierapolis). Philip partnered with Bartholomew in his missions. Like all Apostles, Philip became an exceptional speaker. According to sources “Through his miraculous healing and preaching, Philip converted the wife of the Preconsul of the city” of Hierapolis. Of course, this event angered the Preconsul and ordered that both Philip and Bartholomew be tortured and crucified upside down. While on the cross, Philip continued to preach and he was able to convince the crowd and the Preconsul to release Bartholomew, while insisting that he (Philip) remained crucified. Bartholomew was released but Philip died on the cross and was later buried somewhere within the city. Matthew (burned-to-death?)—Was a rich tax collector and the most educated among the Apostles. Christian tradition says he preached in Ethiopia (in Africa), Judea (Israel today), Macedonia, Syria and Parthia (northeast Iran). Bible scholars have different versions on how he died. Some say he was either killed with a sword in Parthia or he died a natural death in Ethiopia.

The most interesting and dramatic story appeared here , where it says Matthew came to a city (unnamed) and was able to convert the family of the local king to Christianity. This angered the king and ordered his soldiers to capture Matthew. In front of a huge crowd, they nailed him unto a bed, covered his whole body with paper, oil, brimstone, asphalt and brushwood and then they set him ablaze. Matthew was able to endure the torture while praising and preaching, but eventually died “a happy death”. Everyone who touched the burnt bed after was miraculously healed and converted into Christianity, including the king who asked for forgiveness and became a staunch Christian believer. Jude Thaddeus (sawed or axed to death?)—the Patron Saint of Desperate Cases and Lost Causes was a farmer before becoming an Apostle. He was a partner of Simon the Zealot and together they preached and converted non-believers in Judea (Israel), Persia (Iran), Samaria (Israel), Idumaea (near Jordan), Syria, Mesopotamia (Iran) and Libya. It is also widely believed that Jude travelled and preached in Beirut, Lebanon. He also helped Bartholomew in bringing Christianity to Armenia.

The cause of his death in unclear because of the existence of two versions: (1) He was crucified in Edessa, Turkey; (2) He was clubbed-to-death and his body was either sawed or axed in pieces after (together with Simon the Zealot). Some sources say he was buried either in Northern Persia or the most accepted version that his remains are buried in a crypt at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Simon the Zealot (sawed or axed-to-death?)—Before becoming an apostle, Simon was a member of the “Zealots”, a political movement rebelling against the Roman occupation of Jerusalem. Identified by some as the second Bishop of Jerusalem after James the Lesser (who was beheaded). He’s also believed to have preached in the Middle East, North Africa, Egypt, Mauritania and even Britain. His martyrdom is being debated by scholars and historians who claim Simon might have been crucified by the Romans in Lincolnshire, Britain, crucified in Samaria (Israel) after a failed revolt or sawed-to-death in Suanir, Persia with Jude Thaddeus.

Sources: Saint Andrew's cross - definition of Saint Andrew's cross by The Free Dictionary Saint Andrew's cross - definition of Saint Andrew's cross by The Free Dictionary Also found in: Thesaurus , Wikipedia . Related to Saint Andrew's cross: Saltire Cross Saint Andrew's cross n. 1. A cross shaped like the letter X. 2. A small shrub (Hypericum hypericoides) of North and Central America having yellow flowers with four petals. Saint Andrew's Cross 1. (Ecclesiastical Terms) a diagonal cross with equal arms 2. (Heraldry) a white diagonal cross on a blue ground [C18: so called because Saint Andrew, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus, is reputed to have been crucified on a cross of this shape] Saint` An′drew's Cross′

Question: Which of the apostles was crucified on a diagonal or X- shaped cross?
Answer: ANDREW